As struggles continue, trade talks increasing

The Heat has become the talk of the NBA, and for more than its descent in the standings.

General Manager Randy Pfund acknowledged Sunday there has been substantial trade chatter around the league regarding his team.

"It's because of where we are," Pfund said of the team's spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. "We're probably more active, and other teams are probably looking at us as a team more willing to do something."

How willing?

Coach Pat Riley, who holds the dual title as team president, wouldn't comment.

Asked if the impending signing of Development League guard Luke Jackson was part of something bigger, Riley said before Sunday's 100-94 victory over the Clippers at Staples Center, "I don't know, first things first."

The first move will be clearing a roster spot for Jackson's signing to become official, with swingman Penny Hardaway and centers Joel Anthony and Earl Barron appearing most vulnerable.

Jackson is expected to sign before Thursday's home game against Washington, with the current roster to remain intact for tonight's game at Phoenix.

Riley said it was important to add a shooter with Jackson's pedigree.

"He's, we feel, a very good shooter, player, tough guy, tough-minded," said Riley, who looked at Jackson before the former Oregon standout was taken with the No. 10 pick in the 2004 draft by Cleveland, the year the Heat took Dorell Wright at No. 19. "We thought he was one of the very best guys that we ever worked out."

Considering Jackson has been available since he was cut in the preseason by Toronto, Riley was asked why he waited on the move.

"Six weeks ago," Riley said, "we felt pretty good about what we had."

WILLIAMS SITS

Point guard Jason Williams missed his first game of the season, sidelined by the sprained right ankle suffered during the first half of Friday's loss at Golden State.

Williams arrived in a walking boot, with X-rays negative.

"It's day-to-day, but he can't play now," Riley said. "We're hoping when we play Thursday."

Chris Quinn made his third start of the season, closing with a season-high 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting.

NOT AN ISSUE?

Asked about Shaquille O'Neal's griping about a lack of shots, Riley tried to defuse the issue.

"It doesn't bother me," Riley said. "Players are like that."

O'Neal entered averaging 10.4 shots per game this season, with a career average of 17.6 per game.

"We try to get him first, middle and last the ball," Riley said. "But he definitely should get more than 10, 11 shots. He should be getting 15 shots a game."

O'Neal shot 4 of 8 on Sunday in 34 minutes.

IN MEMORY

Power forward Udonis Haslem said he would maintain a tribute to murdered former University of Miami player Sean Taylor on the side of his sneakers for the balance of the season.